World Heritage of Japan

Part 2

Itsukushima Shrine

Brief Overview of the SiteItsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii gate and buildings. It is in the Hiroshima Prefecture. The shrine has been destroyed many times, but the first shrine buildings were probably erected in the 6th century. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as Japan National Treasures.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Brief Overview of the SiteThe site is located in the Shogawa river valley stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures. These villages are well known for their houses constructed in the architectural style known as "Gassho-zukuri". The design is exceptionally strong and, in combination with the unique properties of the thatching, allow the houses to withstand and shed the weight of the region's heavy snowfalls in winter.

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Brief Overview of the SiteThe Shrines and Temples of Nikko encompasses 103 buildings or structures and the natural setting around them. It is located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture. The buildings belong to two Shinto shrines (Futarasan Shrine and Tosho-Gu) and one Buddhist temple (Rinno-Ji). Nine of the structures are designated National Treasures of Japan while the remaining 94 are Important Cultural Properties.

Shiretoko Peninsula

Brief Overview of the SiteShiretoko Peninsula is located on the easternmost portion of the Hokkaido Prefecture, protruding into the Sea of Okhotsk. The name Shiretoko is derived from the Ainu language word meaning the end of the Earth or the place where the Earth protrudes. On 2005, the Shiretoko Peninsula was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reason is that in the Northern Hemisphere, the peninsula is the southernmost point where sea ice forms.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

Brief Overview of the SiteThe Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara encompasses eight places in the old capital Nara in Nara Prefecture. Five are Buddhist temples, one is a Shinto shrine, one is a Palace and one a primeval forest. The properties include 26 buildings designated by the Japanese Government as National Treasures as well as 53 designated as Important Cultural Properties. All compounds have been recognized as Historic Sites.